China to establish emergency centers for critical childbirth

Emergency centers for expectant mothers in critical condition will be established across China this year, the National Health and Family Planning Commission (NHFPC) said.

At least 30 obstetric beds are required in each center at county level for a handling capacity of no less than 2,000 deliveries per year, according to a guideline issued by the NHFPC.

The move, aiming to shore up maternal health, delivery safety and management capabilities, was needed due to delayed marriage and pregnancy increasing nationwide, partly due to a surge in second child births by women aged 35 and above, thanks to policy relaxations.

Information-based networks should be put in place, allowing multidisciplinary consultation for urgent cases and in-time patients transfer, the guideline said.